OrangeandBlue: Denver Broncos Fan Blog

There has been plenty of finger pointing after the Broncos second straight loss. Most fans are pointing the blame at Plummer, but Shanahan, the RB’s and the defense, among others, are getting their share as well. With all due respect to the Chiefs, who came ready to play and deserved the W, I’d like to suggest one other place to point some blame — Adam Schefter.

On Wednesday, Schefter came out with a report that Thursday would be Jake Plummer’s last start. Cutler was to be handed the reins for the Broncos next game on December 3. Thursday, the Broncos looked like a team with no faith in their QB. Plummer looked like a QB with no faith in himself.

Either Schefter got an inside report from a Broncos staffer, or he made it up. I know this is what the media does — they love a scoop. I’m sure the NFL Network loved having such a spicy story to promote their first ever live game broadcast, but reporting this story was irresponsible. If the coaching staff had already made this decision, there is a reason they didn’t announce it. It wasn’t in the best interest of the team for it to be out there. Schefter could have made his report right after the game, and still had his scoop, but unfortunately things just don’t work that way with the media.

If there was a leak out of Broncos HQ that gave Schefter his information, then someone please learn from it. Don’t ever trust this guy with any meaningful information again.

Broncos QB Bubby Brister took the time to answer some questions submitted by Broncos fans at BroncosFreak.com:

Zambini15: How did you get the nickname Bubby?

Well I had five older sisters, I was the baby brother. Down south nicknames are pretty common. My dad is a football coach, so thank god I could get out of the house.

Ibleedorange: Where do you think the 1998 Broncos squad ranks among the best teams ever?

I think it would be one of the top teams ever to play. We probably had the best team assembled that I’ve ever seen in the past 25 years. We had all-pros everywhere, great players at every position. I’m not sure 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd but it would rank pretty high.

Broncojoe: What was your perspective of the situation when Coach Shanahan named Brian Griese the starter heading into 1999?

I was shocked, I had shoulder surgery in the offseason, sort of what Drew Brees is going through, and I was trying to come back from that.. I had played in five games and we one all five. I had the respect of everyone in the locker room and I never thought I’d lose my job in the preseason. We were stunned, but things happen. Mike was the boss and since then he’s said he made a mistake, but at the time Brian was his choice but he wasn’t ready to play. I wasn’t playing great but my shoulder was getting better every week. After the 1^st regular season game I was 100%, but practicing every day was hurting it. If I had struggled in the 1^st regular season game I would have taken myself out, I’m that type of guy. But the locker room was down after the change, then Mobley, TD, and Shannon got hurt and we went in the tank.

Holydiver: Do you feel satisfied with your career, having been a part of Super Bowl teams? Or, are you disappointed at not having the opportunity to start after John Elway retired?

There are different ways to look at it. Coming out of college if you told me I’d play 15 years and win 2 Super Bowls, I’d have taken it. I got to play with the Steelers, Eagles, and Broncos. I’m disappointed I didn’t get the chance to start after John retired, but all in all I’m pretty satisfied that I was able to play 15 years in that league.

Canuckbroncofan: What was it like after warm ups coming onto the field and seeing tens of thousands of Bronco fans screaming like mad?

It was a great feeling, the Broncos fans are the best in the league. I’ve played for and against them. They’re is nothing like playing at Mile High, playing on the other side your in aw of how loud it is. I haven’t been in the new stadium but the old stadium was incredible.

Cswill: How does the win at Kansas City rank in your all time victories?

That was a pretty good game, if we had lost one game we may not have had home-field advantage, and we would have had to play at New York who had a hell of a ball team that year. Going into Kansas City on Monday without John they thought they would win. I knew I had to play my best, and the guys rallied around me. I was able to prove I could play on a great team and win in a tough environment so it ranks very high.

Flair: Do you have any good fishing or hunting stories with fellow Bronco Players?

I got a really good one. I took John down fishing one weekend here in Louisiana; In twelve years the biggest fish I had caught was a 9 lb. large bass, that’s a pretty big fish. John asked what’s the biggest I’d ever caught and 3 hours later he came back with a fish 9.5 lbs., his first trip fishing. There’s not much he can’t do, since then I haven’t beat 9.5 but I’m still trying.

Mclark: What was John Elway like as a teammate? How would you characterize your relationship with him? Is he the best quarterback you’ve every played with?

No question the best I ever played with. We were roommates; he was a great roommate and friend. What a great QB, the total package of a player and friend. I was honored to be his roommate and friend. When he was hurt, I played hard because I knew what he meant to Colorado and the team. That was another reason I was disappointed about ‘99, because I wanted to be the guy to replace him when he gone. One heck of a guy though, everything you see on TV and then some.

Scarface: How pissed was John Elway when you beat him at pool in his own house?

He is so darn competitive; we had games at our hotel floor like ping-pong and pool. No one could beat him at anything, he beat me 21-4 at ping pong once and I’m no slouch. He had a party at his house once with a new pool table. We were talking junk back and forth and I wound up beating him. He said the table must be warped and sold it. The next time I was over his wife said “You are forbidden from the basement.” He’s competitive as can be at golf, fishing, anything.

Rickomatic: What teams did you feel you played on over-achieved and under-achieved the most?

Over-achieving was a Pittsburgh team I was on. The Broncos beat us by 1 to go the AFC title game and we probably should have beat Denver. We had a small salary, and less talent but played pretty good. ‘99 is easily the most disappointing ever with the same players form the two Super Bowls and the QB change and all.

Haroldthebarrel: As a QB, do you prefer a great offensive line or great skill players?

You need both to be a good team and QB. When we won the Super Bowl we had great everything. If you have a great line but no one to catch and run, you’re not going anywhere and vice-versa. It’s hard to get both but you need both to win it all.

Broncocalijohn: Who do you still talk to on those championship teams?

Geese… Romo, Eddie, John. John was down the other day for Peyton and Eli’s camp because Jack was in it. I keep up with David Diaz-Infante, Mark Schlereth. I talk to a lot of guys. We stay in touch, like a little fraternity, especially a lot of the QB’s.

Heyskid: Jay Cutler is wearing your old #6, have you seen him play and if so, what are your impressions of the kid?

I’m still a Broncos fan and I saw him in preseason. He looked good; he’s big, strong, and has a good arm. The upside is tremendous. It’s a great offense, I wish I had been there my entire career. Now there’s not a next John Elway, but Jay Cutler can be himself. Jay’s going to be great though, I wish him a lot of success as I’m a bronco fan now. After last weeks game, Jake’s getting a lot of junk but Cutler’s not ready yet. They need to bring him along slow and not rush him like they did Brian.

Montrose (follow up): What are your thoughts on Jake?

Jake’s a good ball player. It’s a good team and system. Now he has his moments like everyone else. You look at Drew Bledsoe, he had one bad game and they want to bench him too. He’ll bounce back and they’ll beat KC and everyone will forget about it. Being a QB after John sure does leave a lot weight on your shoulders.

MileHighWrath: Is Shanahan really as good a coach as most of us believe he is?

Yeah he really is. As bad as ‘99 was, he’s still unbelievable. They make the best halftime adjustments in the league. Now he makes mistakes and has to make tough decisions but so does everyone. John handpicked him as the coach and we won 2 Super Bowls, so John knew what he was doing. He’s a great coach though.

Montrose: Do you think Terrell Davis deserves to be in the Hall of Fame?

Yes I do, absolutely. I tell you what, he was unbelievable. Hands down, he should be in. I know he got hurt on a da*n interception and Brian shouldn’t have been playing but it happens. He was an unbelievable person, player, and guy in the locker room. He had an aura in the locker room just like with John. With him and John, Shannon, Rod, Eddie, hell every one was a star but TD was something special.

Shepheml: What are you doing to keep yourself busy these days?

I work part time for a company in Iowa, Hunters Specialties, selling hunting products, videos, and other stuff. I also have a few stores here in Louisiana. I work with some commercial real estate and work on raising kids here with the family. I’m just enjoying life.

Finally we did a “first thing that comes to you mind” that I like to call popcorn:

John Elway

The Man

Terrell Davis

The other man

Shannon Sharpe

Haha. Oh lord, big mouth

Rod Smith

Steady

Ed McCaffrey

Takes a licking and keeps on ticking

Tom Nalen

Iron man

Howard Griffith

Stud, he could bust ass and catch the ball. He was so underrated, a huge part of our team

Mark Schlereth

Stinky

Bill Romanowski

Intense and a great friend, he talked Shanahan into bring me in from our Eagles days together

John Mobley

Warrior

Steve Atwater

Special

Neil Smith

Also a warrior, the whole defense had them. They were great guys too. The defense was a big reason for our titles too.

Jason Elam

Steady and consistent

Gary Kubiak

Consistant

Mike Shanahan

Great coach

Pat Bowlen

Great owner

The Bronco fans

The best in the league, they’re totally awesome. My favorite deal is IN-COM-PLETE!

Montrose: Any final thoughts for the Broncos fans?

It was an honor to play there. I bump into fans who bring up the Kansas City game and some other games. It makes me feel good. It’s an honor to be a Bronco.

In honor of his new book, Tales From the Broncos Sidelines, being released, Floyd Little recently took some time to answer select questions submitted by the fans from BroncosFreak.com. What follows is part 2 of 3:

Quiettiger: What do you think of the Terrell Owens type players who get all the press in today’s media circus. Do you think they deserve all the press and attention that they are getting? How were players treated like this “back in the day”?
I know Terrell Owens is a talented receiver, but I wouldn’t want him on my team. Regardless of what he says I don’t believe he’s a team player and I think he’s too much of a distraction. Football is a team sport and there are 53 players on that team. It’s not 52 players and one guy that take away from the team by calling attention to himself. If someone like that was on my team, I would go to the owner or coach and say, “You can either have ‘T.O.’ on your team or me. You can’t have both.” I bet at least 80 percent of my teammates would say the same thing. We’d also handle it in the locker room, not in front of the press. Too much is done in front of the press these days. How’d you like to be Bill Parcells answering questions about Owens every day? And the media asking him, why Owens can’t play if he doesn’t practice! Do they really need that explained to them? Parcells shouldn’t have to go on TV every day to explain his decisions. If you don’t practice, you don’t play. That’s the way it’s always been in football.

ElwayKYfan: What was the hardest thing about being a Bronco during your playing days? If you could change something about your career what would it be?
Obviously the losing was extremely difficult. It was frustrating that we never made the playoffs. It took a long time to get enough talent to become contenders. By then I was retired. But being a year or two late for things has become my charge in life. I was drafted in 1967, the first year of the common draft. Had I been drafted the year before, I would have made a lot more money because as a first-round pick there would have been a bidding war for me between NFL and AFL teams. When I retired, it all changed and players started getting paid bigger bucks. But, looking back I don’t regret anything. I was drafted by a team, the Broncos, that I didn’t know a lot about but became my family. I played in front of the greatest fans in the world and lived in a Denver community that hailed me as “The Franchise.” We didn’t win a lot, but I gave it everything I had every time I laced ’em up on Sundays. I think it was my destiny to play for the Broncos. Fans continue to remember me and say, “Thanks.” My life has been great because of the fans and the friendships I’ve forged here.

BroncosFreak: In the book, you touched on how meaningful the Broncos first Super Bowl victory was, and especially when John Elway acknowledged your contribution to that many years before. Can you tell us a little about the feelings you had in the final minutes of Super Bowl 32?
You sit there and realize the Broncos reached this seemingly unattainable goal and an enormous amount of emotion pours through you. It’s a dream come true and we were all a part of it whether you’re a former Bronco, a life-long fan, or a member of the organization. It was surreal. One final fourth-down knockdown by linebacker John Mobley and suddenly we’re World Champs. Super Bowl winners finally vindicated by the media, and the NFL for never giving us respect, like putting us on Monday Night Football until my seventh season. Plus, to beat the World Champion Packers, a team we were something like 12-point underdogs. Once again, we weren’t given a chance. For the first time in the franchise’s history we can say, “Take that!” I remember sitting back and thinking, “You were the team’s first number one pick. You and your teammates had something to do with this.” Because we endured all those years of a lack of respect and never quit, we helped the Broncos grow as an organization. Then, for someone like John Elway to crystallize all those feelings by telling me I helped lay the foundation really cemented my place in Broncos history.

Quiettiger: How can fans help you with your Hall of fame bid?
You know, it’s funny you say that because I was sent a handful of notes that fans like you have said about my contributions to the team here on Broncosfreak. And I’m thinking, “This is what the Hall of Fame seniors committee should read!” The people that know, the people who matter, are the fans. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your kind words and support.
I’m not sure why I continue to be passed over. I retired as the 7th leading rusher in NFL history and the six players who finished in front of me made it years ago. I think I’m the only player NOT in the hall who fans and media nicknamed “The Franchise” during their careers. So there is validity to why people say I’m long overdue. Now, I’m getting up in age (64) and I probably don’t have too many chances left.
I’d say if fans want to support my candidacy the best thing they can do is send in a petition to the nine Seniors Committee Members who vote on “old-timers” like me or write letters and tell them why you think I should be in. I’m told any fan can nominate a player and I believe the Hall of Fame web site lists the Seniors voters. (Editors note: You can find that list here.) Who knows, someday with the help from the great Broncos fans like you, I could be wearing that bright mustard jacket in Canton!

If you enjoy hearing these stories, I’d encourage you to pick up the book, where Floyd goes more in depth on most of this material and much more. You can also read part 1 and part 2.

Floyd, thank you for taking the time to pass along the legacy of the Broncos to so many fans who have come on board since then. This team truly stands on the shoulders of you and others who established the Broncos in Denver before our time.

In honor of his new book, Tales From the Broncos Sidelines, being released, Floyd Little recently took some time to answer select questions submitted by the fans from BroncosFreak.com. What follows is part 2 of 3:

Mclark: Which Bronco teammate did you admire the most? Who was the best football player of all your Bronco teammates?
I played with a lot of great players. Billy Thompson was incredible. Rich Jackson was a beast and there are many others who I admire greatly. But, I’d say Charley Johnson was the guy I admired the most. He was in his 12th season when he arrived in Denver and was this tremendous leader who had never got the recognition he deserved. He quickly solidified the quarterback position here after years of having no stability. He took charge in the huddle and we all felt like we could win any game as long as he was taking the snaps. I just wish he had arrived earlier. I was already 30 when John Ralston traded for him in ’72. We both retired from the Broncos in 1975 and, as you’ll see in the book, he did something for me that I’ll never forget.

Studbucket: Thanks for adding to the history of the franchise and becoming one of the first Bronco Legends. Watching the runningbacks of today and the last 10 years, which current runningback reminds you most of yourself in terms of his build and running style?
I’d have to say Shaun Alexander of the Seahawks. Living in the Seattle-area, I get to watch him play a lot. I like what he brings to his team. Just like the Broncos had me do back in the day, he carries the load but he never stops running hard. He’s a passionate player and gives it everything he’s got. He’s respected by his teammates and does a lot in the Seattle community. He represents the kind of player that kids can look up to and is focused on doing what’s best for the team.

Studbucket: Did you have any football idols growing up? Or was there anyone you tried to pattern your play after?
Jim Brown was the man when I was growing up. We were all Browns fans and we lived in Connecticut! The Browns were a dominating team and Jim was the best player in the game. He was the first great runner at Syracuse to wear 44. After him came the great Ernie Davis. By some act of fate, I was fortunate enough to become the third celebrated back to wear 44 there. Jim and I had two different running styles. But I did try to pattern myself after him with his toughness and the way he played hard. Because of him and Ernie, I always tried to make the number 44 proud every time I pulled on my jersey. Over the years I’ve gotten to know Jim pretty well and we’ve become friends. When he agreed to write The Preface to my book I was overwhelmed with pride.

Quiettiger: What do you think of the current league rules? Do you think a more pass happy oriented type of football helps the game?
I don’t think so. There are too many rules to help the offense and hardly, if any rules, to even the field for the defense. I think it’s gone overboard and it takes away from the skills of a lot of talented players. The run-blocking and the passing game have a tremendous advantage now. There are a lot more facets to football than offensive fireworks. It’s a completely different game now.

If you enjoy hearing these stories, I’d encourage you to pick up the book, where Floyd goes more in depth on most of this material and much more. You can find part 1 here. Look for part 3 to be published on Wednesday, September 6.

In honor of his new book, Tales From the Broncos Sidelines, being released, Floyd Little recently took some time to answer select questions submitted by the fans from BroncosFreak.com. What follows is part 1 of 3:

Montrose: How would you compare yourself to some of the Broncos running backs of the past decade: Terrell Davis, Clinton Portis, Mike Anderson, and Tatum Bell to name a few?
I think they’re all tremendous players and have upheld the tradition of great Broncos running backs. But, it’s difficult for me to compare with today’s players, because I played during a time when the rules didn’t benefit the offense. To the contrary, the defense held the advantage. They were allowed to clothesline you, grab you around the neck and head, and hold you up so another player could take a shot at you. I think if I played now behind the Broncos zone-blocking scheme my numbers would be off the charts. We didn’t have the talent on offense that today’s Broncos have, but my teammates had tremendous passion for the game. Most were not Pro Bowl players, but they busted their butts on every play. I think just having another huge weapon like John Elway would have taken a lot of the pressure off me.

Mclark: How difficult was it to play for Lou Saban? Lou made a lot of questionable personnel moves during his tenure in Denver — did those moves (Curley Culp, Willie Brown, etc.) demoralize the Broncos?
I loved playing for Lou Saban. As I mention in my new book, Floyd Little’s Tales from the Broncos Sideline with sportswriter Tom Mackie, it took a while for me to realize that we were a lot alike. We were both very intense competitors who hated to lose. I thought Lou made some great decisions, especially trading for Rich Jackson in 1967, who, at the time was a backup linebacker for the Raiders. He also drafted Billy Thompson from a small school, one of the greatest Broncos ever. I understand he got rid of Curley Culp, but who knew he would become a good player? He was only with the club for one year and he didn’t start. So Lou traded him to Kansas City for something like a 3rd-or-4th-round draft pick that turned out to be guard Mike Schnitker, a local guy from Colorado who was pretty good. The questionable trades were when he tried to find quarterbacks. The Steve Tensi trade with San Diego was the biggest flop. He gave up our first round picks in 1968 and ’69 for Steve and he was only a backup.
Steve had it pretty rough during his short career in Denver. He was a tall, gutsy quarterback but everyone realized pretty quickly that he wasn’t worth those two first-rounders. The fans never let him forget it either. Unfortunately, he even endured a few death threats. One of them was from a deranged person who threatened to shoot him during a game from atop of the Holiday Inn that overlooked Mile High Stadium. None of us would stand near him during pre-game stretching or the National Anthem. Nothing ever came from it, but no one wanted to be struck by some stray bullet!

BroncoJoe: What is your greatest (favorite) memory during your playing days, and your worst memory (excluding not ever making the playoffs)?
The greatest memory was Floyd Little Day at Mile High Stadium during the 1972 season. It was something the fans had come up with to commemorate my accomplishments on the field and my charitable work off the field. It was an incredible honor to be recognized by the great fans of Denver, my teammates and the Broncos organization. There’s a great picture of that moment in my book. I’ve had a lot of great honors in my career, Pro Bowls, getting my number retired, the Ring of Fame, but nothing quite compares to that.
My worst memory is that infamous Buffalo game in 1968 when I got fired and re-hired in the same game. I had never been fired in my life and to be cut by coach Saban in front of 40,000 fans during a home game was something I’ll never forget. Then, I refused to leave the stadium and came back onto the field to make that catch to help win the game. What an emotional rollercoaster. Another bad memory was scoring my third TD of the game against the Vikings in ’72 with less than a minute left, only for us to lose in the last second. That game completely drained me emotionally, knowing my best wasn’t good enough. But, that’s football.

Mclark: What are your memories of playing the Raiders? What Raiders player did you dislike the most?
I have to laugh, because it’s not even close: Jack Tatum was the guy I disliked playing against the most because he always tried to hurt people. Today you can’t taunt a player, but Tatum taunted on every play. He really tried to destroy people and he loved to stand over you after a particularly vicious hit. I heard he mentioned me in a book he wrote, They Call Me Assassin, in which he really tried to hit me hard to put me out of the game. In fact, he hit me so hard my shoe flew off. Well, I wasn’t about to let someone like Tatum knock me out, so I shook it off, found my shoe, and went back into the game. I had a few friends on the Raiders, but Tatum wasn’t one of them. Unfortunately, we always played down to their level and only beat them a few times.

If you enjoy hearing these stories, I’d encourage you to pick up the book, where Floyd goes more in depth on most of this material and much more. Look for part 2 to be published on Monday, September 4.

For most football fans (especially casual ones) the 4^th and final preseason game is an afterthought, possibly worth a look at the box score the next morning. But for many prospective NFL players, the 4^th preseason game is the most important game of their lives. That’s because it’s the last chance for these players to show their coaches that they deserve to make the team and move up the depth chart.

With the Denver Broncos first cuts made to get the roster down to 75, here’s a preview of the other positions heading into the Broncos Thursday evening showdown with the Arizona Cardinals:

Quarterback

Locks: Jake Plummer, Jay Cutler

On the bubble: Bradlee Van Pelt

Pack now: Preston Parsons

Van Pelt may find himself caught in the numbers game due to the talent at other positions. If the Broncos feel comfortable with Parsons, knowing he may not be picked up by another team, they may release Van Pelt and go with two QB’s. Van Pelt can help his case by having a lights-out game against Arizona.

Running Back

Locks: Mike Bell, Tatum Bell, Kyle Johnson, Cecil Sapp

On the bubble: Cedric Cobbs, Ron Dayne, Damien Nash

Pack now: Brandon Miree

This is obviously the position with the most intrigue heading into Arizona as Mike Shanahan stated the starting halfback position is wide open. Eyes will be on Tatum Bell to show if he can shoulder the load as a full time back. Cobbs has the ability to come out of nowhere and steal the position from the 1^st guy who came out of nowhere, Mike Bell. It will be interesting to see how Dayne, who received a signing bonus this offseason, effects the roster situation with Cobbs and Nash playing well in the preseason. At fullback, Sapp’s inability to stay healthy may allow for Johnson to head into week 1 as the starter although both will likely see extensive playing time throughout the season.

Wide Reciever

Locks: Rod Smith, Javon Walker, Brandon Marshall

On the bubble: Darius Watts, David Kircus, David Terrell, Todd Devoe, Charlie Adams

Pack now: Brian Clark

Despite his injury, Marshall is a near lock to make the team although he may not be the #3 receiver in week 1. Watts is a mystery as reports of his strong play at camp, along with a strong performance in the Broncos 1^st preseason game, are compounded with very limited time in the Broncos other preseason games. At this point, he appears the #3 receiver but it wouldn’t be shocking to see him, #4, #5, #6, or released altogether. Kircus was a head turner early in camp but his performance has dropped recently and he’ll need a strong showing to secure a roster spot. Last year’s backups, Todd Devoe and Charlie Adams, are competing with David Terrell for what appears to be one position. Devoe may have the inside track but special teams should play a factor in determining who makes the roster. Brian Clark is a logical practice squad candidate.

Tight End

Locks: Stephen Alexander, Tony Scheffler

On the bubble: Nate Jackson, Chad Mustard

Jackson has played well in the preseason despite his constant inability to stay healthy. Should he continue to play well on offense and special teams, he’s likely to make the squad. Mustard hasn’t shown much in the preseason although the converted-tackle is in on the Broncos goal-line package which makes keeps him in contention for a roster spot.

Offensive Line

Locks: Matt Lepsis, Ben Hamilton, Tom Nalen, Cooper Carlsile, George Foster

On the bubble: Adam Meadows, Dwayne Carswell, Chris Kuper, Chris Myers, Greg Eslinger

Pack now: Taylor Whitley

This is a position in which the Broncos have good young talent that they may try to sneak onto the practice squad. Veterans Meadows and Carswell may be competing for one spot with youngsters Myers and Kuper competing for the other. Eslinger appears headed for the practice squad although a strong showing Thursday could convince the coaches otherwise he deserves to make the 53-man roster. The team could keep as few as six and as many as ten players at the position.

Defensive Line

Locks: Courtney Brown, Gerard Warren, Michael Myers, Ebenezer Ekuban, Kenard Lang, Demetrin Veal, Elvis Dumervill

On the bubble: John Engelberger, Corey Jackson, Patrick Chukwruah, Antwon Burton

Pack now: Khaleed Vaughn, Amon Gordon

A position certain to have a lot of competition, depth chart status and roster spots will be on the line. Engelberger, Jackson, and Chukwurah may all be competing for one position with Burton hoping to show the Broncos should keep a 4^th interior tackle. Lang and Veal can secure starting positions to start the season, and Dumervill can work his way up the depth chart at any number of positions. Another deep group, the Broncos may be inclined to keep more talent on the defensive line than offensive line, as defensive lineman rotate much more than offensive lineman.

Linebackers

Locks: D.J. Williams, Al Wilson, Ian Gold, Keith Burns, Nate Webster

On the bubble: Cameron Vaughn, Louis Green

Pack now: Ray Wells

Webster has solidified a roster spot with his outstanding play in the preseason and Burns ability on special teams alone makes him invaluable, not even discussing his leadership ability. Vaughn has turned a lot of heads at camp but Louis Green has had a strong camp as well and they may be competing for just one position. Vaughn does have practice squad eligibity which may help Green.

Defensive Backs

Locks: Champ Bailey, Darrent Williams, John Lynch, Nick Ferguson, Sam Brandon, Domonique Foxworth

On the bubble: Karl Paymah, Roc Alexander, Curome Cox, Hamza Abdullah, Jeff Shoate

Pack now: Tyler Everett

It would take a floundering performance Friday for Paymah to miss the cut and Alexander appears to be in good shape as well. Cox and Abdullah appear to be competing for one position while Shoate is a longshot to make the team. Everett could be a candidate for the practice squad.

Specialists

Locks: Jason Elam, Todd Sauerbrun

On the bubble: Paul Ernster, Micah Knorr, Mike Leach

Ernster has the inside track on filling in for Sauerbrun over his four game suspension, but Knorr will get more opportunities on Thursday . Leach appears safe to serve as the team’s long snapper for another season unless another position player proves serviceable.

Yesterday, Mike Shanahan announced that the starting RB position is up for grabs, and it is between Mike Bell, Tatum Bell, Cedric Cobbs, and perhaps Ron Dayne. I plead with the Broncos go with a true featured back and will commit to feeding him the ball while he develops his rhythm each each. As well as the tandem of Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell worked last year at times, neither had the confidence that came with knowing they were going to be the guy going into a game. I wonder if even that subtle fear that a bad series might have caused them to run a bit more timid.

My thoughts on each:

Mike Bell - Mike is my favorite. First of all, I love his story. I love that he is from Denver. I love that, as the later rounds passed in the draft, he found himself hoping to not be picked so he could sign with the Broncos as a free agent. But even beyond that, I like the way he runs from the limited action we’ve seen. He hits the hole and takes what is there. He’s more interested in getting positive yards on each carry rather than breaking the big one. He doesn’t come down on first contact. Give this guy the ball, and let him wear down defenses in the thin air.

Tatum Bell - It sounds a bit contrary to what I said above, but I like Tatum’s ability to break the big run. Unfortunately for him, he’s got the stigma that he can’t carry the ball enough times to be a featured back. Shanahan must believe that, becuase he’s never given him more than 17 carries in a game. Still, with a career average of 5.3 yards a carry, he’s the one who makes the committee approach so tempting. You’re not sure what he can give you with 25 carries, but your always excited about what he might be able to do with one. If he could be a workhorse who could grind out positive yards on most carries, and still threaten to break it at any time, he’d be my choice.

Cedric Cobbs - Cobbs has looked good in preaseson, but he’s been running late in games against lesser talent. The Broncos liked him in college, but missed him in the draft. After an injury plagued rookie year with the Patriots, the Broncos still thought enough of him to pick him up and hold on to him on the practice squad last year. He certainly seems to have a shot, but I think he’s going to have to clearly outperform the Bells on Thursday night to get the nod.

Ron Dayne - Dayne looked pretty good last year in his limited action, but he’s the guy I least want to see carrying the ball at this point. The fact that he entered camp as the #1 guy, and fell to #3 before even getting injured says a lot. I’ve said it elsewhere, but it troubled me how easily he took Mike Bell’s jump to first string. It just doesn’t seem to me like he wants it, but if he ever wanted to prove otherwise, nows the time.

Having been born in 1970, my earliest Bronco memories go back to the super bowl run in 1977. As a result, I missed Floyd Little’s career by two years. I never got to see him play, but I’ve heard his name plenty of times in the last 30 years. After reading Floyd Little’s memoirs about the Broncos, Tales From the Broncos Sidelines, now I know why.

Floyd’s stories have given me a glimpse of the era of the Broncos that I didn’t get to see, and have built an even deeper appreciation for what the franchise has become since. I’m grateful to see that he continues to root so hard for a team that he gave so much of himself too. I hope that others can pick up the book and have a similar experience.

I think some of the motivation in writing the book was to make the case to be enshrined in Canton — and I think he deserves it. It’s both ridiculous and shameful that his bust isn’t there. Floyd Little might not have led the Broncos to glory in his playing days, but he certainly help lay the foundation for the championship years that have come since.

If I have one gripe about the book, it’s the title. As an every down back who also returned punts and kicks throughout his career, Floyd Little didn’t spend a whole lot of time on the sidelines. But I think I can let that one slide…

I’ve recently been in touch with Floyd Little. Floyd was the Broncos first great running back in the late 60s and early 70s, and one of the inaugural members of the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame.

As you might have seen on the BroncosFreak home page, Floyd has recently released a book about his years with the Broncos — Tales From the Broncos Sidelines. My copy is on the way, and I can’t wait to read it.

To help promote the book, and some love for the Broncos, Floyd has agreed to do a Q&A with questions submitted by members of BroncosFreak. So, for the next two weeks, questions will be accepted on this thread at BroncosFreak. I will submit the best questions to him, plus maybe a few of my own. He will provide responses which I’ll post here on both sites. I am grateful and excited for his willingness to interact with us, and I hope you are too!

Some rapidly hacked out observations from watching the Broncos’ first preseason game:

• His numbers didn’t look great, but I liked how Mike Bell ran early. He’s taking the yardage that the D will give him rather than trying to break one. I would have liked to see him stay in longer, but glad to see Bell, Dayne and Cobbs got their reps as well.
• Brandon Marshall disappeared about the same time as the first string offense. I’m guessing Shanahan is really comfortable with him, and wanted to give some other guys a good look. Update: Apparently Marshall’s knee was bothering him, so his action was limited.
• I know it’s preseason, and I know two starting DLinemen were out, but the D concerned me tonight. Several missed tackles and they generally just looked like they were on cruise control.
• His numbers were great, and Jay Cutler looked really good overall. He’s making strong, confident throws and managed the game well in the two minute offense. He is certainly raw, and tended to zero in on his intended receiver, but looking off defenders, etc. can come in time.
• Tony Scheffler looked great. He will need to develop his blocking skills, but he can contribute right away with his catching ability. I hope to see him in there a lot on passing downs.
• I struggle to see a WR wearing 87 without the name McCaffrey on his jersey. Even though his numbers were good, the jury is still out for me with David Kircus. As much time as he got tonight though, the coaches must be giving him serious consideration.
• I’m really happy with Darrent Williams, Dominique Foxworth (not Foxworthy, Mr. horrible Detroit announcer!), and Karl Paymah. It looks like the Broncos have a nucleus of CBs who can contribute for years to come.
• Bold prediction: We’ll all be used to the officials new jerseys by the middle of the season. I know…I’m really out on a limb with this one.
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